In his speech for the opening of the MMA tournament in Dewa United MMA Arena, Tangerang, on Tuesday (December 10) evening, Ariotedjo highlighted that the championship draws participation from over 600 athletes from nearly 70 countries.
As cited from his office's statement received here on Wednesday, the minister remarked that it is a great honor for Indonesia to become the first Southeast Asian country to host the world MMA championship, which features junior and senior competitions.
"Fighters from across the world participated in this annual event, and it proves that Indonesia's contribution and commitment to the development of MMA have been recognized," he stated.
He expressed hope that Indonesia would make the most of the holding of the MMA championship to prepare skilled and talented athletes to compete at the Asian Games or the Olympics once MMA is included in international sporting events.
"I am convinced that Indonesian athletes wield the capacity to compete at the world level," he affirmed.
Related news: Indonesia to host GAMMA World MMA Championship in December
Chairman of the MMA Association of Indonesia (Pertacami) Tommy Paulus Hermawan, on his part, expressed optimism about Indonesian athletes giving their best for the country at the GAMMA MMA Championship.
"We believe our athletes will exert their utmost efforts for our nation. However, we are against putting too much pressure on them," he noted in the same statement.
In the ministry's other statement, President of the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA), Alexander Engelhardt, admitted to being amazed by Indonesia's preparations within only six months to hold the world championship.
He also praised the rapid development of Indonesia's MMA scene while expressing belief that MMA can grow in tandem with the Indonesian national martial art, pencak silat.
Related news: Indonesian martial arts team wins gold medals in Belgium
Translator: Aditya R, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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